A casual conversation with Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel that appeared harmless turned out to play a role in alleged espionage activities, a high-ranking official said.
PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela said one of the Filipinos recently apprehended for alleged China-linked spy activities was a civilian who obtained information through a close friend working in the PCG.
The PCG personnel allegedly had no clue that the civilian was already phishing critical information to sell to a foreign handler.
“Right now, we have intensified our reminders to our personnel and provided security briefings to those who handle such information, reminding them of the value of the information that passes through their offices and the danger if it ends up with the Chinese government,” Tarriela said.
He said some of the critical information obtained in the past included details of resupply missions in the West Philippine Sea, such as schedules and the types and number of vessels to be deployed.
The PCG personnel, although unaware of the alleged espionage activity, is also under investigation and may face liabilities, according to Tarriela.
“Based on this experience, China is really doing everything it can to undermine our operations in the West Philippine Sea,” he said.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila earlier denied the spy allegations, saying it follows the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs.
The embassy said the claims are malicious and are being used as a tactic to hype up the “China threat” rhetoric, smear China, and undermine China-Philippines relations.
Tarriela said it was expected that China would deny accusations that its agents were involved in gathering sensitive information related to Philippine operations in the West Philippine Sea.
“Of course they will not admit it. They have denied many things,” Tarriela said.
